In Utah 143,391 People Are Enrolled In Marketplace Coverage Over 8.2 million nationally have enrolled through December 19

As of December 19, the number of consumers signed up for Marketplace coverage surged to more than 8.2 million nationally, including 143,391 in Utah. Those who selected a plan by December 17 or were auto reenrolled will have coverage effective January 1, 2016. High consumer demand as we neared the enrollment deadline for coverage, as well as the automatic renewal process, contributed to this overall total.

“Millions of Americans will start 2016 with the quality and affordable health coverage they want and need to keep their families healthy and financially secure,” said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell. "We are encouraged by the strong start we experienced in the first half of Open Enrollment for 2016 coverage, and know we have ongoing work to do. We are focused on making sure Utah families looking for coverage understand their options through the Marketplace, know about the financial assistance available, and have access to the support they need to enroll."

These data, for the first time, reflect the vast majority of consumers who were automatically re-enrolled into 2016 coverage. The re-enrollment process has not yet been completed so as it continues, upcoming snapshots will include additional consumers who were automatically re-enrolled after December 19. If a consumer realized after the deadline for coverage starting January 1 that there is a better plan for their family, they can come back and make a change any time before the end of Open Enrollment on January 31, 2016.

Open Enrollment for 2016 health coverage at HealthCare.gov began November 1, 2015 and individuals can still enroll in coverage through January 31, 2016. Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov orCuidadodeSalud.gov to review their coverage options, learn about what financial assistance is available, or to sign up or re-enroll in a plan that best meets their needs.

Having health insurance when you can afford it is now the law. If someone chooses not to buy health insurance and could afford to do so, they are at risk of paying a fee of $695 or more.

Five Facts about Open Enrollment in Utah:

Since Open Enrollment began on Nov. 1, 143,391 Utah consumers have selected a plan through December 19.

Plans for 2016 are affordable, 77 percent of Utah enrollees can find plans for $75 or less a month in premiums after tax credits. Nationwide, about 8 out of 10 people who enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable.

For 2016, 90 percent of returning Utah HealthCare.gov consumers could save an average of $723 annually in premiums before tax credits for a plan in the same level of coverage by returning to shop. If a consumer realized after the deadline for coverage starting that there is a better plan for their family, they can come back and make a change any time before the end of Open Enrollment on January 31, 2016.

When Utah customers visit HealthCare.gov they’ll find a variety of quality health coverage options available. For 2016, Utah consumers can choose from 5 issuers and an average of 70 plans.

Free confidential enrollment help is available if people in Utah have questions or want to talk through their options with a trained professional.

Visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov to find a listing enrollment centers and events in your community where free, confidential enrollment help is offered.

Representatives at the 24-hour Call Center are available every day at 1-800-318-2596. Call Center representatives can answer questions and help people enroll in coverage over the phone.

HealthCare.gov Digital Press Kit: Download b-roll, stock photos, and find recent data releases. Bookmark this page now and visit often. The page will be updated with new images and resources as we progress through Open Enrollment.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

About 40 percent of Americans belong to
a racial or ethnic minority, but the people who participate in clinical
trials tend to be more homogeneous. Clinical trials are the studies
that test whether drugs work, and inform doctors' decisions about how to
treat their patients. When subjects in those studies don't look like
the patients who could end up taking the treatments, that can be
problematic. In short: Clinical trials are too white.

"We've known for years that certain drugs don't work on parts of our population," says Sam Oh, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco Center for Genes, Environment and Health.He was one of a group of 14 researchers who found that
diversity in biomedical research often does not reflect the American
population. The study was published Tuesday in the journal PLoS Medicine."Only
2 percent of cancer studies and less than 5 percent of pulmonary
studies have studied enough minorities to provide useful information,"
Oh says.Because of genetic differences, some people's bodies
process drugs in very different ways. Racial and ethnic categories can
serve as a proxy for those differences.The blood thinner clopidogrel,
or Plavix, doesn't work in the 75 percent of Pacific Islanders whose
bodies don't produce the enzyme required to activate the drug. For them,
taking the medication is like taking a placebo.People with
epilepsy who are of Asian descent are supposed to get genetic testing
before being prescribed the seizure medication carbamazepine, because the drug can damage the skin and internal organs of patients with a certain gene variant.And,
says Oh, "African-Americans and Puerto Ricans don't respond as well to
some of the most common asthma controller medications, and that's really
a tragedy since these two groups are the most affected by asthma in the
United States." Coming across disparities like the asthma
example, Oh says, "you begin to wonder, 'Well, why is this the case?'
And part of that reason might be because our biomedical studies in the
past have not recruited as heavily in those populations."

The importance of increasing diversity among study subjects has been on the NIH radar for almost 30 years, when the Office of Minority Health was set up.The
review boards that decide which studies will get funding, however,
remain 90 percent white, says Oh, based on information the group
accessed with a Freedom of Information Act request. The community of
researchers applying for grants also skews white. That's one of the
things Oh and his colleagues say needs to change, because people are
more likely to sign up for a clinical trial if the recruiter looks like
them, or at least speaks their language."So it's really
important when you want to do science in diverse communities, you have a
scientific team and a scientific staff that is also diverse," Oh says.After the NIH found that black applicants were 10 percentage points less likely than white applicants to win a research grant, a position was created last year to focus on increasing diversity in the field.As the U.S. becomes more diverse, says Oh, these gaps are more important to fill — and could help make a dent in the estimated $300 billion lost each year because of health disparities.

“Because of the unprecedented demand and volume of consumers contacting our call center or visiting HealthCare.gov, we are extending the deadline to sign-up for January 1 coverage until 11:59pm PSTDecember 17. Hundreds of thousands have already selected plans over the last two days and approximately 1 million consumers have left their contact information to hold their place in line. Our goal is to provide access to affordable coverage, and the additional 48 hours will give consumers an opportunity to come back and complete their enrollment for January 1 coverage. ”

Background:

· The final days heading into the December 15 deadline were the busiest we’ve ever experienced at HealthCare.gov.

· While the website and the call center enrolled people throughout the day, some consumers were asked to wait before logging in to HealthCare.gov or to speak to a call center representative.

· A number of states, including New York and Minnesota, have announced similar extensions.

· In previous open enrollments, we’ve provided additional time to make sure individuals seeking coverage before the deadline can get covered.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Do you live in Glendale or South Salt Lake?The Utah Department of Health Office of Health Disparities is conducting a survey to gain a better understanding of how residents access health care and oral health services in certain areas. We also want to learn more about living conditions facing those residents. The goal is to ensure that there are enough members of racial and ethnic minorities in the sample so that more reliable estimates of health indicators can be reported, and more precise measures can be taken to address geographic disparities. Participants will be entered into a drawing for $50 grocery gift cards.Please send this to anyone living in these areas. Thanks for your help!Glendale residents

In Utah, 53,872 people signed up for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace

HHS encourages consumers to enroll before the December 15 deadline

Heading into the final days before the December 15 deadline for January 1 coverage, over 2.8 millionconsumers selected a plan in the HealthCare.gov platform as of December 5, 2015, including 53,872 in Utah. This includes both new consumers and consumers returning to shop for private health insurance plans sold on Healthcare.gov.“I am pleased with the strong start to this year’s Open Enrollment,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said. "While we have more work to do, more than 1 million new consumers have signed up for affordable quality coverage in the 38 states that use HealthCare.gov. And existing Marketplace customers who have returned and shopped for a more affordable plan are paying less in premiums this year than they were paying last year. Time is running out to sign up for a health plan that begins on January 1. With less than a week remaining before the December 15thdeadline, we urge consumers to visit Healthcare.gov and get enrolled.”Open Enrollment for 2016 health coverage at HealthCare.gov began November 1, 2015, and runs through January 31, 2016. However, it’s important to note that individuals who need coverage starting January 1, 2016 must sign up by the December 15, 2015 deadline.Having health insurance when you can afford it is now the law. If someone chooses not to buy health insurance and could afford to do so, they are at risk of paying a fee of $695 or more.Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov to review their coverage options, learn about what financial assistance is available, or to sign up or re-enroll in a plan that best meets their needs. As we near the December 15 deadline officials from HHS are available for print, radio and television interviews. To request an interview with an official from HHS, email press@cms.hhs.gov.Five Facts about Open Enrollment in Utah:

Since Open Enrollment began on Nov. 1, 53,872Utah consumers have selected a plan in the Federally Facilitated Marketplace.

Plans for 2016 are affordable, 77 percent of Utah enrollees can find plans for $75 or less a month in premiums after tax credits. Nationwide, about 8 out of 10 people who enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable.

For 2016, 90 percent of returning Utah HealthCare.gov consumers could save an average of $723 annually in premiums before tax credits for a plan in the same level of coverage by returning to shop.

When Utah customers visit HealthCare.gov they’ll find a variety of quality health coverage options available. For 2016, Utah consumers can choose from 5 issuers and an average of 70 plans.

Free confidential enrollment help is available if people in Utah have questions or want to talk through their options with a trained professional.

Visit LocalHelp@HealthCare.gov to find a listing enrollment centers and events in your community where free, confidential enrollment help is offered.

Representatives at the 24-hour Call Center are available every day at 1-800-318-2596. Call Center representatives can answer questions and help people enroll in coverage over the phone.

New HealthCare.gov Digital Press Kit: Download b-roll, stock photos, and find recent data releases. Bookmark this page now and visit often. The page will be updated with new images and resources as we progress through Open Enrollment.

Salt Lake Donated Dental is offering free sedation for children needing extensive dental work eleven times throughout 2016. The sedation's will be given to children who have seen a dentist previous to making the sedation appointment so a referral can be made. All patients must income qualify for services.

Today, CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) released the 2014 School Health Profiles (Profiles) results on the DASH Healthy Youth website at www.cdc.gov/schoolhealthprofiles.

The release includes:

a comprehensive report that includes results from surveys conducted in:

48 states

19 large urban school districts

2 territories

a fact sheet describing Profiles and highlighting key 2014 results

a PowerPoint presentation that presents state results, by quartiles, on a U.S. map

all questionnaires and item rationales

information on how to obtain Profiles datasets

technical documentation for data analysis

Profiles Background: The School Health Profiles (Profiles) is a system of surveys assessing school health policies and practices in states, large urban school districts, and territories. Profiles surveys are conducted biennially by education and health agencies among middle and high school principals and lead health education teachers.

If you would like to receive updates and announcements on School Health Profiles in the future, please subscribe to the School Health Profiles list.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

The American Public Health Association and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are proud to co-sponsor a five-part webinar series highlighting the vital work of the ATSDR. The series explores the Agency's role as an integral partner in: determining chemical threats; supporting communities with their environmental health concerns; protecting children and vulnerable populations; and supporting the specific needs of Native Tribes.

Part V – Working with Tribal CommunitiesThursday, December 17, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. ESTWelcome back to the series! In our fifth and final webinar, Working with Tribal Communities, participants will gain insights regarding environmental health concerns of Native Tribal communities and how ATSDR effectively supports tribal governments in addressing these concerns. This is a webinar not to miss!Register today.

Moderator:Montrece McNeill Ransom, JD, MPHSenior Public Health Analyst, Public Health Law ProgramCenters for Disease Control and Prevention

Applebee’s will become the first family-dining restaurant chain to remove soda from its children’s menus, joining fast-food chains McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Dairy Queen. The move was praised by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest which in 2014, with allies such as MomsRising.org, the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, and the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity launched a campaign to encourage all restaurant chains to remove soda and other sugar drinks from kids’ meals and menus.“Soda and other sugar drinks promote diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, and even heart disease, and a kids’ menu is no place for disease-promoting drinks,” said CSPI nutrition policy counsel Jessica Almy. “Kudos to Applebee’s for taking this important step to promote children’s health. Other sit-down chains such as Chili’s should follow Applebee’s lead.”Subway, Chipotle, and Panera also exclude sugar drinks from kids’ menus, as does IHOP, which is owned by Applebee’s parent company DineEquity. “Responsible restaurants are on the fast track toward making soda for kids a thing of the past,” said Almy.

You are invited to a webinar hosted by the Cross-RHEC American Indian and Alaska Native Caucus

The Affordable Care Act offers many opportunities to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) who lack health insurance coverage. The National Indian Health Board, American Indian Health & Family Services, and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium have many lessons learned to share from their past outreach and enrollment efforts related to enrollment under the Affordable Care Act. This webinar will provide tribes, tribal organizations, and RHEC members with effective messaging strategies and outreach practices for AI/ANs that encourage enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The Cross-RHEC American Indian and Alaska Native Caucus is a group of Regional Health Equity Council (RHEC) members under the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities (NPA). The Caucus provides a forum for RHEC members to increase dialogue across RHECs and to coordinate and enhance tribal, state and local efforts to address health disparities and the social determinants of health for AI/ANs.

*If the registration link does not work, please copy the entire link and paste it into your web browser. For webinar-specific or technical questions, contact the moderator at csantos@explorepsa.com.

In Utah, 37,816 people signed up for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace

Only two weeks remain before the December 15 enrollment deadline

Over two million consumers selected a plan in the Federally Facilitated Marketplace as of Nov. 28, 2015, including 37,816 in Utah.
“Americans who need health coverage starting January 1st have just two weeks remaining before theDecember 15 enrollment deadline,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said. “Whether you are enrolling for the first time or an existing customer who is shopping for the best plan for 2016, now is the time to visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov. We’re encouraged by the number of people who are returning to the Marketplace or are seeking coverage for the first time. More than 2 million consumers have selected a plan and over 700,000 are new Marketplace consumers in the 38 states using the HealthCare.gov platform.”
As we near the December 15 deadline officials from HHS are available for print, radio and television interviews. To request an interview with an official from HHS, email press@cms.hhs.gov.Five Facts about Open Enrollment in Utah:

Since Open Enrollment began on Nov. 1, 37,816Utah consumers have selected a plan in the Federally Facilitated Marketplace.

Plans for 2016 are affordable, 77 percent of Utah enrollees can find plans for $75 or less a month in premiums after tax credits. Nationwide, about 8 out of 10 people who enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable.

For 2016, 90 percent of returning Utah HealthCare.gov consumers could save an average of $723 annually in premiums before tax credits for a plan in the same level of coverage by returning to shop.

When Utah customers visit HealthCare.gov they’ll find a variety of quality health coverage options available. For 2016, Utah consumers can choose from 5 issuers and an average of 70 plans.

Free confidential enrollment help is available if people in Utah have questions or want to talk through their options with a trained professional.

Visit LocalHelp@HealthCare.gov to find a listing enrollment centers and eventsin your community where free, confidential enrollment help is offered.

Representatives at the 24-hour Call Center are available every day at 1-800-318-2596. Call Center representatives can answer questions and help people enroll in coverage over the phone.

About the Open Enrollment at HealthCare.gov:
Open Enrollment for 2016 health coverage at HealthCare.gov began November 1, 2015, and runs through January 31, 2016. Individuals who need coverage starting January 1, 2016 must sign up by theDecember 15, 2015 deadline. Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov to review their coverage options, learn about what financial assistance is available, or to sign up or re-enroll in a plan that best meets their needs. New HealthCare.gov Digital Press Kit: Download b-roll, stock photos, and find recent data releases. Bookmark this page now and visit often. The page will be updated with new images and resources as we progress through Open Enrollment.

Today is World AIDS Day, a day when people around the world take collective action against HIV. This year’s theme, “The Time to Act Is Now,” is especially relevant with today’s release of the White House National HIV/AIDS Strategy Action Plan. This plan details steps to implement the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States: Updated to 2020 (NHAS) released this past summer. The Action Plan provides steps to advance the vision of becoming a nation where HIV infections are rare.

One of the measures called for is the scale-up of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication that is effective at preventing HIV infection. The use of PrEP with other proven prevention tools offers heightened potential to reduce the number of new infections. However, recently released data indicate that we still have a lot of work to do to increase the use of PrEP. According to a new edition of CDC’s Vital Signs, released last week, more than one million adults who are at substantial risk for HIV could potentially benefit from PrEP. But nationwide, only one in three primary care doctors and nurses is aware of PrEP.

There are several strategies that are effective at scaling up PrEP use. For example, New York State has increased the use of PrEP among patients covered by Medicaid. As described in a recent MMWR, New York State made PrEP-related materials available through the state health department’s website, conducted trainings, and held public forums to educate both potential prescribers and those at risk.

CDC is expanding the use of PrEP through a variety of activities, including new PrEP and Data-to-Care health department demonstration projects. In addition, CDC supports other prevention programs, such as:

Providing $339 million annually in funding to health departments to develop and implement HIV prevention programs, including testing, linkage to and retention in care, prevention with positives, and other effective interventions.

Awarding $43 million annually to community-based organizations to improve HIV outcomes across the continuum of care, including linking people diagnosed with HIV to care, helping them get and stay in treatment, and providing them with prevention counseling and other support services.

These efforts support action on the ground to prevent HIV infections and to ensure people with HIV are linked to care as soon as possible and remain in treatment. We look forward to continuing conversations about achieving high impact prevention next week, when more than 3,000 scientists, public health officials, community workers, clinicians, and persons living with HIV will gather for the 2015 National HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta.

As we reflect on the toll of HIV on World AIDS Day, let us take heart from the many advancements we have seen in the fight against AIDS and gain renewed energy for the future actions we can take together to reduce HIV and AIDS in the United States and throughout the world.